Pump module, pump module and pump system

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a wobble pump base module and a wobble pump system. The invention-based wobble pump base module ( 40 ) comprises a wobble pump drive system ( 43 ), a wobble device ( 41 ), a receptacle ( 42 ) for a pump module ( 1 ) and a pretensioning device ( 56 ), wherein the pretensioning device ( 56 ) flexibly pretensions the pump module ( 1 ) housed in the receptacle ( 42 ) against the wobble device ( 41 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Under 35 USC 119, this application claims the benefit of the prioritydate of U.S. Provisional application 61/392,495, 61/392,492, 61/392,490,and 61/392,494, and European applications 10187381.8, 10187377.6,10187378.4, and 10187380.0, all of which were filed on Oct. 13, 2010.The contents of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention concerns a pump base module and a pump system, whichcomprises a pump module and a pump base module, in particular theinvention concerns a wobble pump base module and a wobble pump system.

PRIOR ART

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,133 discloses a wobble pump. The wobble pumpcomprises a pump drive system and a wobble plate. Furthermore, thewobble pump comprises a membrane and a lower housing part, whichtogether form a pump channel. The pump channel is formed by a circularrecess in said housing part, wherein the circle is not closed. At oneend of the circular recess a pump channel inlet is located, at the otherend there is a pump channel outlet. Via screw joints, the lower housingpart is firmly connected to a central housing part. The wobble device islocated in the central housing part. The membrane is clamped between thelower housing part and the central housing part. Furthermore, themembrane is firmly connected to the wobble device. By means of thewobble pump drive system, the wobble device can be caused to swing, andthe oscillation is transmitted to the membrane because of the firmconnection with the membrane. The oscillation of the membranecorresponds to a peristaltic motion. Through a deformation of themembrane in a section between pump inlet and pump outlet, the pumpchannel is closed, and the closed section runs along with theoscillation from pump inlet to pump outlet. In this way, it is possibleto transport a fluid through the pump channel. Back-pressure valvesbehind the pump channel inlet and the pump channel outlet prevent anundesired backflow.

The DE 32 27 051 A1 discloses a flexible-tube pump for medicalapplications. The flexible-tube pump is designed as a wobble pump. Theflexible-tube pump comprises a pump drive system and a wobble plate,which can be caused to swing by means of the pump drive system. Theflexible-tube pump has a hinged cover in which a tube can be inserted.By means of the swinging wobble plate, the inserted tube is compressedat a place in the circular pump section that moves along with theoscillation so that a fluid can be transported through the tube. Thecontusion point is long enough that in a phase of oscillation an inletsection and an outlet section of the tube can be compressed at the sametime so that the tube is always closed at least one place. In this way,an undesired flow of the fluid is prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention-based wobble pump base module comprises a wobble pumpdrive system, an oscillation device, a receptacle for a pump module anda pretensioning device, wherein the pretensioning device resilientlypretensions the pump module received in the receptacle against thewobble device.

Because of the fact that the pump module resiliently pretensions thewobble device, it can be guaranteed that the pump module and the wobbledevice received in the receptacle assume a defined position in relationto one another. This is especially advantageous in the event that thepump module is designed as a disposable item (“disposable”), which meansthat it is removed after a single use and replaced with a new pumpmodule. The defined positions of wobble device and pump module preventthat the pump properties change to an undesired extent when the pumpmodule is exchanged. Since the pump module is inserted or can beinserted in a wobble pump or a wobble pump base module (see thefollowing description), the pump module can also be described as a pumpmodule cassette.

The invention-based wobble pump system comprises an invention-basedwobble pump base module and a pump module, wherein the pump modulecomprises a base and a flexibly deformable membrane, wherein base andmembrane form a line-shaped pump channel that is curved at least insections in such a way that through a wobble deformation of the membranea fluid can be pumped through the pump channel, wherein the pump moduleis received in the receptacle of the wobble pump base module in such away that by means of the pretensioning device the pump module and thewobble device are resiliently pressed against one another.

A further invention-based pump module comprises a base and a flexiblydeformable membrane, wherein base and membrane form a line-shaped pumpchannel that is curved at least in sections, and the base comprises apump channel inlet and a pump channel outlet, wherein the pump channelinlet and the pump channel outlet are connected with the pump channelfor supplying a fluid into the pump channel and discharging a fluid fromthe pump channel, so that through a wobbling deformation of the membranea fluid can be pumped through the pump channel from the pump channelinlet to the pump outlet.

The invention-based pump module can be produced in an inexpensive androbust manner. By designing the pump channel from a membrane and a base,it is possible to produce a pump channel with defined and reproduciblemeasurements, allowing a plurality of pump modules to achieve highaccuracy in the production rate. Because of the fact that the pumpmodule can be produced in an inexpensive and reproducible manner, theinvention-based pump module qualifies as a disposable item(‘disposable”) intended merely for single use.

In particular, the pump module can be used as a component of a wobblepump. Basically, an invention-based pump module can be used also forother pump types.

A further invention-based wobble pump base module comprises a wobblepump drive system having an oscillation device and a receptacle, whereinthe receptacle is designed in such a way that the pump module can bemanually applied or inserted in the receptacle, and the pump module canbe manually removed from the receptacle.

The invention-based wobble pump base module allows for a manualinsertion of a pump module, without using additional tools, thusproducing a functioning wobble pump. It is just as simple to remove thepump module from the wobble pump base module. Because of these facts,the wobble pump base module is especially well suited for the use ofpump modules which are designed as a disposable item (“disposable”) andare replaced after each use.

According to an advantageous development, the wobble device of thewobble pump base module is mounted in axially movable fashion along itsrotational axis. The axial bearing of the wobble device makes itpossible that the wobble device can be moved in relation to the pumpbase module to exert a defined contact pressure on the membrane of thepump module.

According to a further advantageous development, the wobble devicecomprises pressure measuring devices which allow the pressure inside thepump channel to be measured through the membrane of the pump basemodule. By measuring the pressure in the pump channel, it is possible,depending on the motion state of the wobble device, to measure topressure when the pump channel inlet and the pump channel outlet areclosed and when the pump channel inlet and the pump channel outlet areopened.

A further invention-based wobble pump system comprises aninvention-based pump module and an invention-based wobble pump basemodule, wherein the pump module is received in the receptacle of thewobble pump base module.

A further invention-based pump module for a wobble pump comprises aline-shaped pump channel that is curved at least in sections, a pumpchannel inlet and a pump channel outlet, wherein the pump channel inletand the pump channel outlet are connected with the pump channel forsupplying a fluid into the pump channel and discharging a fluid from thepump channel, so that through a periodically rotating deformation of thepump channel a fluid can be pumped through the pump channel from thepump channel inlet to the pump outlet, wherein the pump channel in thesection between the pump channel inlet and the pump channel outlet isdesigned in a way that differs from a genuine circular design.

In the context of the invention, a “circular design” refers to acircular arc, which can be open or closed (when closed it forms acircle). Another pump channel has circular sections which are, however,designed with different radii in relation to a mutual center. In thecontext of the invention, said pump channel is considered also as havinga design that differs from a circular arc.

For example, when the pump channel has a design that differs from agenuine circular design, it is possible within the oscillation of awobble device to securely close the pump channel inlet and the pumpchannel outlet simultaneously. As a result, a situation can be preventedin which the pump channel is opened between pump outlet and pump inletand an undesired discharge of the fluid occurs. In case of a wobbledevice having an axially movable design and/or a wobble device having anat least partially rebounding design, it is possible alternatively oradditionally to optimize during its periodically rotating oscillationthe axial movement of amplitude of the wobble device or parts of thewobble device. This is possible especially during transition phases inwhich the wobble device has to bridge the pump channel free sectionbetween the pump channel inlet and the pump channel outlet.

Furthermore, it is possible alternatively or additionally to achieve bymeans of a formation of overlapping pump channel sections a compressionand thus an increase of pressure of a fluid being transported throughthe pump channel. Alternatively or additionally, when the design of thepump channel differs from a genuine circular design, for example whenthe pump channel is divided in at least a first and a second area, it ispossible to provide a section of the pump channel for measuring purposesor for the purpose of pressure compensation.

A further invention-based wobble pump base module comprises a wobblepump drive system with an wobble device, wherein the wobble devicecomprises a line-shaped bar which is curved at least in sections andwhich is able to swing for deforming in a wobble manner a tube or amembrane, wherein the design of the bar differs from a genuine circulardesign.

Because of the fact that the bar of the wobble device has a design thatdiffers from a genuine circular design, it is possible within theoscillation of a wobble device to securely close the pump channel inletand the pump channel outlet simultaneously. As a result, a situation canbe prevented in which the pump channel is opened for only a momentbetween pump outlet and pump inlet and an undesired discharge of thefluid occurs. Alternatively or additionally, when the bar has a designthat differs from a circular design, it is possible in conjunction witha respectively designed section of the pump channel to generate in thecontext of the oscillation a pressure increase within an area of thepump channel.

Alternatively, instead of designing the wobble device with a bar, themembrane can be designed with a respective bulge. The embodimentcomprising the bulge, which can also be depicted as a projection, provesto be advantageous because in this way an evenly distributed press forcecan be exerted on the membrane. Furthermore, the wobble pump is quitesensitive toward a pressure variation at the pump channel inlet and/oroutlet. Moreover, it is uncritical with regard to lateral tolerances ofthe wobble device toward the membrane, which is especially important forthe “disposable” feature. In this case, the wobble device can have aplanar surface which interacts with the bulge of the membrane. It ispreferred that during circulation of the wobble device a permanent orlargely permanent contact exists between the membrane and the wobbledevice. In particular, the membrane is permanently or largelypermanently pretensioned. As a result, the pump performance isinsensitive toward a variation of the initial pressure which is, forexample, affected by the level of the bag. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the wobble device and the membrane are not connected, forexample, by being screwed together. They adjoin each other.

A further invention-based wobble pump system comprises aninvention-based pump module and an invention-based wobble pump basemodule, wherein the bar of the wobble device of the wobble pump basemodule is designed at least in sections in accordance with the sectionof the pump channel between pump channel inlet and pump channel outlet.

The bar of the wobble device and the pump channel correspond at least insections to a form that differs from a genuine circular design. The barcan be continued in one or both directions so that the part of the barcorresponding with the pump channel forms only a section of the bar.

A further invention-based pump module for a medical pump, in particularfor a wobble pump, comprises a pump channel and a valve unit (orchamber) connected with the pump channel, wherein a fluid can be pumpedthrough the pump channel and the valve unit, wherein a first wallsection of the valve unit is flexible, and the pump module has aflexible valve body which is arranged in the valve unit, wherein thevalve body can occupy an idle position in which the valve body closesthe valve unit to prevent fluid from passing through, and wherein thevalve body can occupy an operation position in which the valve bodyallows the fluid to flow through the valve unit and in which the valvebody can be operated by means of a deformation of the first wall sectionof the valve bodies so that the fluid can flow through the valve unit.

By means of the valve body, it is possible to prevent fluid from flowinginvoluntarily through the pump module. Preferably, the valve formed inthis way is used as “anti-free-flow-valve”, i.e., a valve that is closedin its basic position and in this way prevents fluid from flowinginvoluntarily through the pump module. In particular, this involves thesituation when the pump channel is still open, for example, because thepump module has not yet been inserted in a respective pump base module.Only when the valve has been actively opened, the flow through the pumpmodule is released. The opening of the valve takes place by means of adeformation of the first wall section. For example, by means of thedeformation of the wall section, the valve body is pressed into aconfirmation position or, alternatively, a space is opened that can beoccupied by the valve body. Because of the fact that the valve body isactivated by means of a flexible wall section, the means for saidactivation, for example, a hand or a mechanical device, do not come indirect contact with the fluid to be transported by the pump module.Moreover, a pump module having such a valve can be produced in aninexpensive manner. As a result, the pump module is especially wellsuited to be uses as a disposable item (“disposable”).

It is especially preferred that the pump module is designed as modulefor a wobble pump, comprising a base and a membrane which form a pumpchannel. The base can form at least a section of the valve unit. In thisway, it is possible to produce with only a few parts a pump module whichis inexpensive and robust and which is sufficiently accurate, especiallywhen used for medical applications.

A further invention-based pump base module comprises a pump drivesystem, a receptacle and a valve actuator, wherein the receptacle isdesigned in such a way that the pump module can be applied or insertedin the receptacle and that the pump module can be removed from thereceptacle, wherein the valve actuator is designed in such a way that itdeforms the first flexible wall section of the valve unit of the pumpmodule when the pump module is applied or inserted or after the pumpmodule is applied or inserted, thus bringing the valve body in operationposition.

The invention-based pump base module brings the valve body in operationposition, i.e., it opens the valve of the pump module. In this way, itcan be guaranteed that the valve is opened only when it is intended tobe opened, for example, when the pump module has been correctly insertedor possibly when the pump base module has accepted a respectiveposition, for example, after initiating an initialization or pumpprogram.

A further invention-based pump system comprises an invention-based pumpmodule and an invention-based pump base module.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are described in thedependent claims.

The pump modules, pump base modules, in particular wobble pump basemodules, pump systems, in particular wobble pump systems described hereare well suited for an application in the medical field. Preferredapplications of these devices involve a use as enteral pumps, forexample, for pumping nutrition solutions or for use as infusion pumpsfor intravenously infusing medications. Further applications involveepidural infusions, intramuscular or subcutaneous infusions.

Subsequently, the invention is described in more detail by means ofdifferent embodiments. The embodiments are depicted by several figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES IN THE DRAWINGS

The figures show:

FIG. 1 a top view of a cover and membrane of a first embodiment of thepump module,

FIG. 2 a top view of a base of the first embodiment of the pump module,

FIG. 3 a perspective view of a wobble device,

FIG. 4 a cross-section through the wobble device and the pump moduleaccording to the first embodiment along a cutting line A-A, see FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 a cut through the wobble device and the pump module according tothe first embodiment along a cutting line B-B, see FIG. 1, wherein thepump channel outlet and the pump channel inlet of the wobble device areclosed,

FIG. 6 a cut through a second embodiment of a pump module, wherein theelements of the pump module are shown in an exploded view,

FIG. 7 the second embodiment of the pump module in assembled state,

FIG. 8 a top view of a cover and membrane of a third embodiment of apump module,

FIG. 9 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wobble device,

FIG. 10 a cut through the third embodiment of the pump module and thewobble device along the cutting line A-A depicted in FIG. 8,

FIG. 11 a top view of the base of a fourth embodiment of a pump module,

FIG. 12 a cut through a fourth embodiment of the pump module along thecutting line B-B depicted in FIG. 11

FIG. 13 a cut through a fourth embodiment of the pump module and thewobble device along the cutting line A-A depicted in FIG. 11,

FIG. 14 a top view of the base of a fifth embodiment of a pump module,

FIG. 15 a top view of a cover and membrane of the fifth embodiment of apump module,

FIG. 16 a top view of a cover and membrane of a sixth embodiment of apump module,

FIG. 17 a top view of a cover of the sixth embodiment of a pump module,

FIG. 18 a bottom view of a wobble device according to a thirdembodiment,

FIG. 19 a lateral view of the wobble device shown in FIG. 18,

FIG. 20 a lateral view of a model of the wobble device shown in FIG. 18,

FIG. 21 a top view of a seventh embodiment of a pump module,

FIG. 22 a cut along the cutting line A-A through the pump module shownin FIG. 21 with partially compressed pump channel,

FIG. 23 a cut along the cutting line D-D through the pump module shownin FIG. 21,

FIG. 24 a cut along the cutting line E-E through the pump moduleaccording to the first embodiment, see FIG. 1, wherein a valve body ofthe pump module occupies an idle position,

FIG. 25 a cut along the cutting line E-E through the pump moduleaccording to the first embodiment, see FIG. 1, wherein a valve body ofthe pump module occupies an operation position,

FIG. 26 a cut along the cutting line E-E through an eighth embodiment ofa pump module, see FIG. 1, wherein a valve body of the pump moduleoccupies an idle position,

FIG. 27 a cut along the cutting line E-E through an eighth embodiment ofa pump module, see FIG. 1, wherein a valve body of the pump moduleoccupies an operation position,

FIG. 28 a variation of the cover shown in FIG. 8 in which cover thebulge of the membrane is interrupted in one section,

FIG. 29 a cut along the cutting line F-F through a pump module with thecover shown in FIG. 28 and a wobble device,

FIG. 30 a top view of a wobble pump base module with an opened cover anda receptacle for a pump module,

FIG. 31 a top view of the wobble pump base module shown in FIG. 30, inwhich wobble pump base module the pump module has been received in thereceptacle,

FIG. 32 a cut through the wobble pump base module in which a pump modulehas been received in the receptacle when the cover is closed,

FIG. 33 a cut through the wobble pump base module in which a pump modulehas been received in the receptacle when the cover is closed, and with afirst wobble drive system and a first wobble device,

FIG. 34 a cut through the wobble pump base module in which a pump modulehas been received in the receptacle when the cover is closed, and with asecond wobble drive system and a second wobble device,

FIG. 35 a cut through the wobble pump base module in which a pump modulehas been received in the receptacle when the cover is closed, and with athird wobble drive system and a third wobble device,

FIG. 36 a cut through the wobble pump base module in which a pump modulehas been received in the receptacle when the cover is closed, and with afourth wobble drive system and a fourth wobble device, and

FIG. 37 a cut through the wobble pump base module in which a pump modulehas been received in the receptacle when the cover is closed, and with asecond wobble drive system and a second wobble device,

FIG. 38.a to 38.c an embodiment of the pump module in non-assembledstate and in assembled state,

FIGS. 39.a and 39.b a wobble plate with a ramp, and

FIGS. 40.a and 40.b calculations regarding pump performance with andwithout ramp.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EMBODIMENT

In the figures similar and corresponding components are provided withthe same reference numerals.

FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 show a first embodiment of a pump module 1 orindividual elements of the pump module 1. As shown, for example, in FIG.33, the pump module 1 is designed to be used with a wobble pump basemodule. This does not exclude the pump module 1 from being used withother types of pumps, although it is preferred to use it in the mannermentioned above. Pump module and wobble pump base module form a wobblepump system by means of which fluid, i.e., a gas or any other fluid, canbe transported.

The pump module comprises a base 2, a cover 3 and a flexibly deformablemembrane 4. The base 2 and the membrane 4 form a line-shaped pumpchannel 5 that is curved at least in sections. The base 2 comprises apump channel inlet 6 and a pump channel outlet 7. The pump channel inlet6 and the pump channel outlet 7 are connected with the pump channel 5for supplying a fluid into the pump channel 5 and discharging a fluidfrom the pump channel 5. The wobble deformation of the membrane 4results in a circular local compression of the pump channel 5, making itpossible that a fluid can be pumped through the pump channel 5 from thepump channel inlet 6 to the pump channel outlet 7.

Basically, it is also possible to pump a fluid from the pump channeloutlet 7 to the pump channel inlet 6 by reversing the oscillationmovement.

In this embodiment, the base 2 comprises a groove 23. The pump channel 5is formed by the groove 23 and the in uncompressed condition planarlower surface of the (in this embodiment) flat and on both sides planarmembrane 4. The groove 23 has a slightly curved profile, so that themembrane 4 can be pressed through a wobble device, for example, throughthe wobble plate 41 shown in FIG. 3, to seal the surface of the groove23. During the process, the membrane is not exposed to excessiveshearing forces. Alternatively, it is also possible to design themembrane 4 with a groove and to provide the base 2 with a planarsurface, or to provide membrane 4 and base 2, respectively, with adesign that differs from a planar surface to form the pump channel 5.

The pump channel 5 does not have a completely circular design but it isinterrupted by a bar 26. The bar ensures that there is only one way forthe fluid to flow between the pump channel inlet 6 and pump channeloutlet 7.

Pump channel inlet 6 and pump channel outlet 7, respectively, directlyadjoin one side of the bar 26. As a result, it is possible to use almostthe complete volume of the pump channel 5 for transporting the fluid.

The pump channel inlet 6 and the pump channel outlet 7 are here designedas groove-shaped recesses (see FIG. 5), which are arranged at the bottomof the respective end of the pump channel 5. Alternatively, it is alsopossible to use different forms, for example, channels with round orelliptic openings. The groove-shaped recesses are positioned verticallyto the pump channel 5 and end in a first cylindrical recess 24 or asecond cylindrical recess 25. The first cylindrical recess is part of avalve unit 12, the second cylindrical recess is part of a pressuremeasuring chamber 10 (for example, see FIG. 16).

The membrane 4 is connected with the cover 3. It is possible to usedifferent types of connections, for example, adhesively joined,especially by gluing or molding, wherein the molding process includesalso injection-molding, or a force-fit connection with clamps. It ispreferred that the membrane 4 is injection-molded to the cover 3, as hasbeen done in this embodiment. To improve the adherence of the membrane 4to the cover 3, the cover 3 comprises a projection 27 along the insidesurface facing the pump channel 5 (see FIG. 5), which projection isencompassed on its upper and lower surface by the membrane 4.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of a pump module 1 in whichthe membrane 4 is attached by clamps. In this model, the membrane 4forms a separate flat element with a planar upper and lower surface,which is clamped between base 2 and cover 3.

Alternatively, the membrane 4 can also be connected with the base 2, inparticular in connection with the types of connection mentioned for thecover 3.

The base 2 and the cover 3 have an undercut-free design. As a result,the base 2 and the cover 3 can be produced without using costly tools inan inexpensive manner. In particular, it is not required to perform acostly process of demolding.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 3 comprises a recess 8 into which the base2 is inserted. The positive-fit guarantees that the relative position ofcover 3 and base 2 is defined. When assembling cover 3 and base 2, it ispossible to minimize manufacturing tolerances, so that a plurality ofpump modules can be produced, all having basically the same properties.Alternatively, it is also possible that the base 2 has a recess intowhich the cover 3 is inserted or engages in a form-fit manner, or cover3 and base 2 each have at least one recess in which the other elementengages in a form-fit manner. In this embodiment, the rear surface ofthe cover 3 comprises a rectangular recess into which the base, whichhas a corresponding rectangular outside shape, is inserted.

Base 2 and cover 3 are produced from a solid material, preferablyplastic material, in particular thermoplastics. For example, materialsto be used include POM (polyoxymethylene), PC (poly carbonate) or COC(cyclic olefin copolymer). Here base 2 and cover 3 are produced asone-piece, in particular integrally formed injection-molded parts. Base2 and cover 3 consist of the same material, making it possible toproduce in a simple and inexpensive manner a adhesively joinedconnection between base 2 and cover 3. Preferably, the connection ismade by a welding process, for example, an ultrasound welding process ora laser welding process. In the case of a laser welding process, it ispreferred that either the base 2 or the cover 3 is transparent while theother component is absorbent for the laser beam, at least in the weldingarea. However, the base 2 and the cover 3 can be joined also by otherconnection methods, for example, by gluing or clamping.

Preferably, the membrane 4 consists of one piece (see second embodiment,FIGS. 6, 7), or it is integrated in the cover 3 (as, for example, in thefirst embodiment described here). Preferably, the membrane 4 consists ofone piece. Preferably, the membrane 4 comprises an elastomer, preferablya thermoplastic elastomer, for example, an EPDM (ethylene propylenediene rubber), ethylene propylene rubber or silicone rubber. Themembrane 4 and cover 3 of the first embodiment of the pump module 1 areproduced by means of a 2-component injection-molding process (2component injection-molding).

The materials used for the base 2, cover 3 and membrane 4 areinexpensive and can be processed very precisely. As a result, the pumpmodule 1 can be produced in an inexpensive manner, with reproduciblemeasurements and maximum durability. Furthermore, as subsequentlydescribed, it is possible to integrate in an inexpensive andspace-saving manner several functions in the pump module 1.

In addition, the pump module comprises a seal 9 (see FIG. 5). The sealis arranged between the base 2 and the cover 3. The seal 9 seals thefluid-leading areas of the pump module 1 toward the outside area. Theseal 9 surrounds the pump channel 5, the pressure measuring chamber 10and the valve unit 12 (see also FIG. 16). Here, the seal 9 is formed bya sealing lip. The sealing lip can be molded to the cover 3 or the base2, or it can be loosely arranged. It is preferred that the sealing lipis injection-molded by means of 2-component injection-molding, forexample, that it is injection-molded to the cover 3 in the productionprocess of the membrane 4. In the previously mentioned case, preferablythe sealing lip consists of the same material as the membrane 4.Alternatively, the sealing lip or part of the sealing lip can beinjection-molded to the base 2.

Alternatively, it is possible to use one or several sealing rings or anyother sealing agents instead of the sealing lip.

In the case in which the base 2 and the cover 3 are connected bywelding, in particular by laser welding, the seals can also be producedduring the welding process. In the process, the fluid-leading areas aretraced in such a way that they are sealed the welding line toward eachother and to the outside area.

The cover 3 and the base 2 form a pressure measuring chamber 10 (seeFIGS. 24-27). The cylindrical recess 25 of the base 2 (see FIG. 2)merges with a respective diameter into a cylindrical recess of the cover3. The cylindrical recess of the cover 3 is connected with an outletpassage which is also formed by the cover 3. The fluid can leave thepump module 1 by means of said outlet passage.

The pressure measuring chamber 10 comprises a flexible wall section 11which can be deformed by the pressure of a fluid exerted in the pressuremeasuring chamber 10. During operation of the pump module 1, each pumpcycle produces with a fluid a deformation of the wall section 11. Thedegree of deformation of the wall section 11 indicates the pressure inthe pressure measuring chamber 10, at the same time indicating thepressure of the fluid. In particular, it is possible to detect excesspressure, which occurs, for example, in case of a downstream occlusion,or loss of pressure, which occurs when a line or tube connected with thepump module 1 is damaged. Furthermore, it is possible, when the pumpmodule 1 is connected with a fluid-containing bag (which is a usualapplication), to detect by means of a pressure measurement whether thebag is empty. As shown in this embodiment, the pressure measuringchamber 10 can be arranged outside of the pump channel 5, or it can bearranged between the pump channel inlet 6 and the pump channel outlet 7.It can be part of the pump channel 5 or can be connected with the pumpchannel, for example, by means of a passage. The variations mentionedlast make it possible to measure pressures upstream, as well asdownstream, which can be used to detect an occlusion, a tubing failureor an empty bag.

It is also possible to measure the pressure inside the pump channel 5 ora section of the pump channel 5 when the pump channel inlet 6 and thepump channel outlet 7 are closed simultaneously. Especially in a case inwhich the pump channel 5 has a small volume, it is possible, forexample, by comparing the pressures measured with reference values, todraw conclusions with regard to the fluid volume in the pump channel 5and the presence of bubbles in the fluid, especially air bubbles thesize of the pump channel or larger. In this way, it is possible toreplace in an inexpensive manner established measuring methods of airdetection, such as measuring the loss of an ultrasound wave passingthrough the fluid.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to arrange twopressure measuring chambers 10 in front or behind the pump channel 5, tobe able to measure pressures upstream and downstream. For example, inthis way, it is possible to detect an empty fluid bag. Furthermore, itis possible to detect individual air bubbles in the fluid or occlusionslocated downstream or upstream.

In this embodiment, the flexible wall section 11 is designed as amembrane which, according to the invention, is preferred. Above thepressure measuring chamber 10, the cover 3 comprises a circular recessin which the flexible wall section 11 is arranged. Preferably, theflexible wall section consists of the same material which is preferablyused for the membrane 4. For purposes of an inexpensive production, itis especially preferred to produce the flexible wall section 11 and themembrane 4 in a single process, in particular as part of a 2-componentinjection-molding process in the context of producing the cover 3. Atthe inside surface of the recess for the flexible wall section 11, thecover 3 comprises a projection which is encompassed on its upper andlower side by the flexible wall section, resulting in an increasedconnection between wall section 11 and cover 3.

Alternatively and additionally, it would be possible to provide theflexible wall section 11 in the base 2. The recess for the flexible wallsection 11 in the cover 3 would be provided correspondingly at thebottom of the base 2.

The flexible wall section 11 can be directly accessed from the outside.Therefore, it is possible to determine a deformation of the wall section11 without being obstructed by other components of the pump module 1. Inthis embodiment, the non-deformed flexible wall section 11 forms aplanar surface with the surface of the cover 3.

Alternatively and additionally, it is possible to measure the pressureof the fluid by means of the membrane 4. In this way, it is possible todetermine the pressure inside the pump channel 5.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show an embodiment which depicts a device in which thepressure inside the pump channel 5 is measured by means of the membrane4.

In a section opposite the membrane 4, the wobble device 41 has a recess34 which comprises a pressure measuring device 35, here a movable,flexibly pretensioned rigid finger for measuring which is connected witha pressure sensor (not shown). The deformation of the membrane 4 isdetected by means of the pressure measuring device 35 and used fordetermining the pressure inside the pump channel 5. When a membrane 4having a bulge is used (for example, see FIGS. 8 and 10), preferably thebulge is interrupted in a measurement range 36 (see FIG. 28) in whichthe pressure measuring device contacts the membrane 4, to increase thesensitivity of the pressure measurement. Besides changing the thicknessand/or the form of the wall, it is possible additionally oralternatively to design the membrane 4 in this area from a differentmaterial, for example, a material with increased elasticity.

Here, the pressure measuring device 35 is disconnected from theoscillation movement of the wobble device 41. It is solidly mounted inthe housing of the wobble pump base module 40, to minimize the amplitudeof the finger for measuring in relation to the membrane 4.Alternatively, it is also possible to integrate the pressure measuringdevice 35 at least partially in the wobble device 41.

In this way, depending on the periodically rotating contusion of themembrane 4, it is possible to measure inside the pump channel 5 thepressure downstream, upstream and when the inlet 6 and outlet 7 areclosed.

In the embodiment shown, the pump module 1 comprises in addition to thepressure measuring chamber 10 a valve unit 12. The valve unit 12 isconnected with the pump channel 5, making it possible to transport afluid through the pump channel 5 and valve unit 12. The connectionbetween pump module 5 and valve unit 12 is made by means of the pumpchannel inlet 6 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 24). The pump module 1 comprises aflexible valve body 14 which is arranged in the valve unit 12. The valvebody can occupy an idle position in which the valve body 14 closes thevalve unit 12 to prevent fluid from passing through (see FIG. 24 or FIG.26), or the valve body can occupy an operation position in which thevalve body 14 allows the fluid to flow through the valve unit (see FIG.25 or FIG. 27). A first wall section 13 of the valve unit 12 has aflexible design and interacts with the valve body 14 so that the valvebody can be brought in operation position through a deformation of thefirst wall section 13, making it possible that fluid flows through thevalve unit 12.

In idle position, the valve body is resiliently pretensioned against astop position 19 of the valve unit. As a result, a specific minimumpressure is required for the valve body 14 to leave the idle positionand for the valve to open. The pretension is adjusted in such a way thatthe fluid must have a minimal pressure of ≧2 bar, preferably a minimalpressure of 1≧bar, to push the valve body 14 away from the stop position19. Consequently, the pump module 1 is closed in its basic position.Only when the valve body 14 is activated, it is possible to transport afluid through the pump module 1. The valve makes sure that a fluid doesnot pass the pump module when it is not desired, for example, that fluidis not discharged unwantedly from a bag when the bag is connected to thepump module 1. Such a valve is also called an anti-free-flow-valve.Furthermore, the resilient pretension of the valve body 14 has theeffect that the valve body 14 is pressed into idle position, whereuponthe valve body 14 returns into idle position when the pressure of thefluid or the first wall section 13 on the valve body 14 is reduced.

If by means of the pump module 1 a fluid is transported in reversedirection, or the pump module 1 is operated in opposite flow direction,which explicitly represents a possible use of the pump module 1, thevalve body 14 is pressed against the stop position 19, and thus intoidle position, not only by the pretension of the valve body 14 but alsoby the fluid itself. As a result, the valve remains closed when it isnot forcibly opened, independent of the pressure of the fluid.

The valve unit 12 comprises a second wall section 20, wherein the secondwall section 20 can be flexibly deformed. The second wall section 20 isactively connected with the valve body 14 and resiliently pretensionsthe valve body 14 against the stop position 19. In a first model, whichis depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25, the second wall section 20 and the valvebody 14 consist of two pieces. In a second model, which is depicted inFIGS. 26 and 27, the second wall section 20 and the valve body 14consist of one piece, in his case even formed integrally.

Preferably, the first wall section 13, the second wall section 20 andthe valve body 14 are designed from semi-rigid or soft flexiblydeformable materials. Preferred materials include thermoplastic plasticmaterials, thermoplastic elastomers or silicone-containing materials. Inparticular, it is possible to use the same materials that are used forproducing the membrane 4, the flexible wall section 11 of the pressuremeasuring chamber 10 or the sealing lip 9. In this way, the number ofdifferent materials and the number of process steps for producing thepump module 1 can be reduced, resulting in the fact that the pump module1 can be produced in a more cost-effective manner. In particular, thefirst wall section 13 and the second wall section 20 can be produced aspart of a 2-component process with a further component of the pumpmodule 1, particularly with the base 1 or with the cover 3.

In this embodiment, the valve unit 12 is formed by a cylindrical recess24 of the base 2 (see FIG. 2), which merges with a reduced diameter intoa cylindrical recess of the cover 3. The cylindrical recess of the cover3 is connected with an inlet channel 29, which is also formed by thecover 3, and by means of which the fluid can enter the pump module 1(see FIG. 24).

Above the valve unit 12, the cover has a round recess in which the firstflexible wall section 13 is arranged. At the inside edge of the recess,the cover 3 comprises a projection which is encompassed on both sides bythe flexible wall section 13, thus improving the durability of theconnection between the first wall section 13 and the cover 3.

Below the valve unit 12, the base 2 has a round recess in which thesecond wall section 20 is arranged. At the inside edge of the recess,the base 2 comprises a projection which is encompassed on both sides bythe second wall section 20, thus improving the durability of theconnection between the second wall section 20 and the base 2.

The stop position 19 is formed by a step which is created in that thecylindrical section of the valve unit 12 in the base 2 has a largerdiameter than the cylindrical section of the valve unit 12 in the cover3.

The valve body 14 is arranged in the area of the valve unit 12, which islocated in the base 12. The second flexible, elastic wall section 20 isalready deformed when the valve body 14 is in idle position, whichincreases the contact pressure that presses the valve body 14 like aseal against the stop position 19. By means of a deformation of thefirst wall section 13, preferably in a deformation direction pointing inthe direction of the valve body 14, in this case vertically to the levelof the first wall section 13 and the cover 3, the valve body 14 can betransferred to operation position (see FIG. 25 and FIG. 26). As thevalve body 14 transfers to operation position, the second flexible wallsection bulges more and more to the outside. After reducing the pressureon the first wall section 13, the reset forces of the second wallsection 20 result in the fact that the valve body 14 returns to idleposition.

In this embodiment, the first wall section 13 is designed as part of theoutside wall of the pump module 1, so that the first wall section 13 canbe operated from the outside without obstruction. The second wallsection 20 is also designed as part of the outside wall of the pumpmodule 1. As a result, it is possible top produce a pump module with acompact size.

The first wall section 13 comprises a depression 21 for the engagementof a projection 51, for example a bolt or a bar, which depression can beaccessed from the outside. In this way, it is possible to prevent amisuse of the valve, in particular an unintentional opening of thevalve. Furthermore, such a depression can be used as a positioning aid,to connect in a correct position the pump module with a wobble pump basemodule. Alternatively, the first wall section 13 can also be designed inother forms, for example, planar or as an elevation above the surface ofthe cover 3. The latter variation allows for a simple manual operationof the valve, which is advantageous when it is required to open thevalve when the pump module is not yet connected with the wobble pumpbase module.

Alternatively, it is possible to switch the functions of base 2 andcover 3, i.e., the second wall section 20 and the valve body 14 can bearranged in the cover 3 and the first wall section 13 can be arranged inthe base 2. Even the inlet channel 29 and the outlet channel 28 can beformed partially or completely by the base 2. Basically, it is possibleto use also other shapes of the valve unit 12 and/or the pressuremeasuring chamber 10, for example elliptic or rectangular shapes.

The valve unit 12 described is not only suitable to be used incombination with a pump channel 5, which is formed by means of amembrane 4, but basically it can also be used with other pump systems.For example, it is possible to use a flexibly deformable tube as a pumpchannel 5. Furthermore, the invention-based structure of the valve unit12 can be used independently from the pumping principle. For example,the invention-based structure of the valve unit 12 can be part of alinear, peristaltic finger pump, roller pump or membrane pump. The sameapplies to the pressure measuring chamber 10, in particular incombination with the valve unit 12. A special advantage of thecombination of a pump principle using a membrane with the valve unit 12and the pressure measuring chamber 10 is that individual elements of thepump module can be provided with several functions, making it possiblethat the pump module 1 can be produced in an inexpensive manner, in acompact form and with high mechanical precision.

The cover 3 comprises a first connector 15 and a second connector 16 forconnecting a tube. The first connector 15 is connected with the pumpinlet 6, the second connector 16 is connected with the pump outlet 7. Inthis embodiment, the first connector 15 and the second connector 16 aredesigned as tubular adapters, each of which can be covered with a tubingsection (see FIG. 26), and can optionally be adhesively joined to theadapter for the purpose of improving the stability of the connection,for example by gluing or welding. A section of the inlet channel 29 isformed with the first connector 15, a section of the outlet channel 28is formed with the second connector 16. Consequently, after passingthrough the inlet channel 29, a fluid that is injected into the pumpmodule 1 by means of the inlet channel 29 passes through the valve unit12, the pump channel inlet 6, the pump channel 5, the pump channeloutlet 7 and the pressure measuring chamber 10 before leaving the pumpmodule by means of the outlet channel 28.

It is also possible that a fluid passes through the pump module 1 in adifferent direction. In this case, the valve of the pump module 1 formsa stop valve which stops the flow of the fluid to the inlet channel 29independent of the pressure of the fluid and which releases the flow byactivating the valve body 14 by means of the first wall section 13.Alternatively, the first connector 15 and/or the second connector 16 canbe designed in other shapes, for example, in the form of a sleeve inwhich a tubing section can be inserted.

The pump channel 5 can have a genuine circular design, or it is designedin a way that differs from a genuine circular design like the pumpmodules 1 shown in embodiments. In this way, it is possible to preventthe undesired condition that during operation of the pump module 1 ashort-term open connection (a “short”) exists in which the fluid canpass through the pump channel 5 unhindered or not sufficiently hindered.

For example, the first embodiment of the pump module 1 shown in FIGS. 1and 2 comprises a pump channel 5 which has a circular section 30, afirst straight section 31 and a second straight section 32. The circularsection is arranged between the first straight section and the secondstraight section. The pump channel inlet 6 is situated in the firststraight section 31, the pump channel outlet 7 is situated in the secondstraight section 32. Because of the fact that the first section 31 andthe second section 32 have a straight design, an embodiment is achievedin which by means of a wobble device 41, for example, indicated by awobble plate (shown in FIG. 3), the pump channel 5 can be almostsimultaneously sealed at the pump channel inlet 6 and the pump channeloutlet 7 (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the first section 31 and the secondsection 32 are arranged in parallel or collinear manner, wherein thecollinear manner is depicted in the pump module 1 shown FIGS. 1, 2 and5.

By means of a wobble device 41 mounted in axially movable fashion alongits rotational axis or a wobble device 41 having a flexibly reboundingdesign at least in the areas compressing the membrane 4, it is possibleto improve the simultaneous closing of pump channel inlet 6 and pumpchannel outlet 7, as well as the overall pump process. In this case,sufficient contact pressure can be achieved by means of an axialdisplacement or deformation of the wobble device. In particular, theaxial bearing and/or the flexibly rebounding design of the wobble device41 can guarantee that during a pump cycle the wobble device 41sufficiently presses the membrane 4 by means of an axial movement ineach phase of the cycle, even when the wobble device 41 has a gap, asshown in FIG. 3. For the purpose of an axial displacement, the wobbledevice 41 can be axially pretensioned.

FIGS. 8 and 10 show a third embodiment of an invention-based pump module1. Contrary to the first embodiment in which the membrane 4 does notprotrude beyond the cover 3, the membrane 4 is designed with a bulge. Innon-deformed condition, the lower surface of the membrane 4 facing thegroove 23 is formed in such a way that the pump channel 5 can besecurely closed. In this embodiment, the lower surface has a planardesign. The upper surface of the membrane 4 has a toric design andprotrudes beyond the cover 3. For example, by means of a wobble device41, such as the one shown in FIG. 9, it is possible in a section of pumpchannel 5 that the membrane 4 can be pressed in fluid-tight manneragainst the surface of the groove 23 through the pressure of the wobbledevice 41 on a section of the toric area of the membrane 4. As a result,a fluid can be transported through the pump channel through a wobblemovement of the wobble device 41 about a tumble axis 67. Because of thetoric membrane 4, the lower surface of a base 62 of the wobble device 41facing the membrane 4 can have a planar design (see FIG. 10). FIG. 10shows the membrane 4 with a section that is not deformed and a sectionthat is deformed by the wobble device 41 and that closes the pumpchannel 5. In the remaining design, the third embodiment corresponds tothe first embodiment of the pump module 1. Such a planar embodiment of awobble device 41 is advantageous in that the wobble device 41 and thedrive unit of the wobble device are insensitive to lateral tolerances.Furthermore, the wobble device 41 can be designed in a simple anddefined manner as a semi-rigid or flexible plate (see FIG. 37). In thisway, it is possible to realize an intrinsic flexibility of the wobbledevice 41, to achieve a defined contact pressure of the wobble device onthe membrane. In this way, it is possible to compensate axialtolerances.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show a fourth embodiment of an invention-based pumpmodule 1. Contrary to the first embodiment, the curved membrane 4 doesnot have a planar design. Its upper surface is designed with a bulge,corresponding to the third embodiment. In non-deformed condition, thelower surface of the membrane 4 is curved to the inside. Apart from thepump channel inlet 6 and the pump channel outlet 7 which are designed asgroove-shaped cuts, the base has a planar design at its upper surfaceopposite the lower surface of the membrane 4. The upper surface (curvedto the inside) of the lower surface of the membrane 4 and the planarsurface of the base 2 form a pump channel 5 through which a fluid can betransported. For example, by means of a wobble device, such as the oneshown in FIG. 9, in a section of the pump channel 5 the membrane 4 canbe pressed in fluid-tight manner to the surface of the base 2. FIG. 13shows the membrane 4 in a section that is not deformed, and a sectionthat is deformed by the wobble device 41 and that closes the pumpchannel 5. In the remaining design, the fourth embodiment corresponds tothe first embodiment of the pump module 1.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a fifth embodiment of an invention-based pumpmodule 1. Contrary to the first embodiment, the pump channel 5 betweenpump channel inlet 6 and pump channel outlet 7 has a spiral design,wherein in a section between pump channel inlet 6 and pump channeloutlet 7 the pump channel 5 overlaps radially, i.e., the pump channel 5covers an angular range of more than 36°. Preferably, the spiral-shapedpump channel 5 is designed in a plane vertically to the tumble axis. Inthe overlapping area, toward the pump channel inlet 6 and the pumpchannel outlet 7, the spiral-shaped section of the pump channel 5 mergesinto a straight section, respectively, wherein both straight sectionsare arranged in parallel fashion. Alternatively, the pump channel canalso have a genuine spiral-shaped design. Otherwise, this embodiment ofthe pump module 1 corresponds to the first embodiment.

A spiral-shaped section in the pump channel 5 makes it possible toarrange pump channel inlet 6 and pump channel outlet 7 offset to oneanother, so that in one section the pump channel can overlap radially(see the figures). The overlap makes it possible to guarantee by meansof a wobble device 41 that, in the context of oscillation, the pumpchannel inlet 6 and the pump channel outlet 7 can be securely closed. Asa result, a situation can be prevented in which the pump channel 5 isopened for only a moment between pump channel inlet 6 and pump channeloutlet 7. Furthermore, the overlap of the pump channel 5 makes itpossible to produce during the tumbling process a compression of thefluid inside the pump channel 5, preferably by locally closing the pumpchannel 5, starting with the pump channel inlet 6, while in the sectionof the pump channel outlet 7 the circulating deformation of the membrane4 has not yet reached the pump channel outlet 7. In the case ofcontinued oscillation, the volume between these two sealed areas of thepump channel 5 is reduced because the local deformation sealing the pumpchannel 5, which is further away from the center (which is preferablylocated on the tumble axis), covers a larger distance than thedeformation situated on the inside. The compression phase ends when thedeformation situated on the inside reaches the pump channel outlet 7.Such compression can be performed by means of the wobble device 41 shownin FIGS. 18 to 20, or when the membrane 4 is provided with a respectivebulge, such compression can be performed with the wobble device shown inFIG. 9.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a sixth embodiment of an invention-based pumpmodule 1. Contrary to the first embodiment, the pump channel 5 comprisestwo circular pump channel sections which are formed in the base 2 by twocircular membrane sections 401 and 402 forming the membrane 4 and by twocircular groove sections 231 and 232, wherein the first pump channelsection is arranged in a first radius toward a center 403 (which ispreferably located on the tumble axis), and the second pump channelsection is arranged in a second, here larger, radius toward the center403, which radius differs from the first radius. The first pump channelsection extends over an angular range of preferably at least 180° to atthe most 355°. Preferably, the second pump channel section extends overan angular range of at least 20°. Preferably, the first pump channelsection and the second pump channel section overlap in an angular rangeof at least 10°.

The pump channel inlet 6 is arranged at one end of the second, outsidegroove section 232. The pump channel outlet 7 is arranged at one end ofthe first, inside groove section 231. The second pump channelsection/the second groove section 232 is connected by means of a shorttransition duct 233 with the first pump channel section/the first groovesection 231. The transition duct 233 runs from a place of the secondpump channel section located at a distance from the pump channel inlet 6to the end of the first pump channel section located opposite of thepump channel outlet 7. Because of the fact that the transition duct 233is located before the end located opposite of the pump channel inlet 6,the pump channel 5 is split at the place of the transition duct 233 intoa first pump channel section (start of the transition duct 233 to thepump channel outlet 7) and a second pump channel section (start of thetransition duct 233 to the end of the second pump channel sectionlocated opposite the pump channel inlet). In the first pump channelsection, the fluid is transported to the pump channel outlet 7. In thisembodiment, the second pump channel section, which forms a “dead end”for the fluid, is used for pressure compensation.

The pressure compensation takes place as follows: in a firstperiodically repeating phase of the tumbling process, the area of thepump channel inlet 6 in the outside second pump channel section and anarea in the inside first pump channel section of the pump channel 5located before the pump channel outlet 7 are sealed simultaneously. Withadvancing oscillation, which takes place counter-clockwise in theembodiment shown, a phase of compression follows because the radius ofthe inside first pump channel section is smaller than the radius of theoutside second pump channel section. As a result of the flexibility ofthe membrane 4, at least partially through deformation of the membrane4, excess pressure is compensated through the second pump channelsection between transition duct and the end of the second pump channelsection facing away from the pump channel inlet 6. Ultimately, withadvancing oscillation, the transition duct 233 is crossed, thedeformation of the membrane 4 is continued in the first pump channelsection, resulting in the fact that excess pressure formed in the secondpump channel section can be released. Preferably, the membrane 4 iscompressed simultaneously in the area of the inlet and outlet of thetransition duct 233 when the transition duct 233 is reached. In thisway, it is possible to prevent an undesired backflow of the fluid at thetransition of the membrane 4, which is deformed through oscillation,from the second pump channel section to the first pump channel section.

As a variation in the second pump channel section, the membrane can beprovided with a different material thickness and/or designed from adifferent material which allows the pressure compensation to beoptimized.

The transition duct 233 is formed in a plane of the base 2 which islocated in the plane in which the groove 23 is located. From the pumpchannel outlet 7, a supply duct 234 situated in a plane below the planein which the groove is located leads to a second connector 16. It isalso possible to design other embodiments of the transition channelsection 233 or the supply duct 234.

In an alternative model, the first and/or the second pump channelsection can have a spiral-shaped design instead of a circular design.

Wobble devices can include wobble devices 41 having a bar or wobbledevice 41 having a planar contact surface in case the membrane is to bedesigned with a bulge.

According to a sixth embodiment of a pump module 1, the pressuremeasuring chamber 10 is located in the area of the pump channel 5between the pump channel inlet 6 and the pump channel outlet 7, here inthe first inside pump channel section. The pump channel 5 is used as ameasuring chamber. The flexible wall section 11 of the pressuremeasuring chamber 10 for measuring the pressure forms part of the wallof the pump channel 5. The flexible wall section 11 is located oppositeof the membrane 4.

A fluid inside the pump channel 5 can be measured downstream andupstream, even in a situation when pump channel inlet 6 and pump channeloutlet 7 are closed simultaneously. In this way, it is possible todetect occlusions, tubing failures or empty bags. Furthermore, suchpressure measurements make it possible to detect air bubbles in thefluid, especially air bubbles the size of the pump channel 5 or larger.It is also possible to determine the filling volume of a fluid in thepump channel 5 when the pump channel inlet and pump channel outlet areclosed.

Alternatively, the measuring chamber 10 can be detached from the pumpchannel 5 and connected with the pump channel 5 by means of a supplyline.

In an alternative seventh embodiment (different variations are shown inFIGS. 21 to 23), the pump channel 5 is formed by the section of aflexibly deformed tube 45. The pump channel 5 has a spiral-shapedsection which merges on both sides into a straight section,respectively, wherein both straight sections are arranged offset to oneanother. The straight section of the tube 45 located on the insidepasses under spiral-shaped section (see FIG. 23). In this embodiment,the tube 45 is arranged in a groove-shaped duct of a rigid carrier 33,which fixes the tube 45 in its form. For example, it is possible to useresilient, flexibly deformable tubes 45 that are usually used forperistaltic flexible-tube pumps.

The pump channels 5 of the pump module 1 shown in the embodiments have across-section which, in the section between pump channel inlet 6 andpump channel outlet 7, comprises a value ranging from 0.1 mm²≦Q≦10 mm²,preferably ranging from 0.5 mm²≦Q≦2 mm². Furthermore, the volume VS ofthe pump channel 5, in the section between pump channel inlet 6 and pumpchannel outlet 7, comprises a value ranging from 1 μl≦VS≦500 μl,preferably ranging from 10 μl≦VS≦100 μl. The base 2 and the cover 3rigidly connected with the base 2 comprise together a length and widthof 100 mm at the most, preferably 50 mm at the most, especiallypreferred 25 mm at the most, and a thickness of 20 mm at the most,preferably 10 mm at the most, especially preferred 5 mm at the most.

Besides a wobble pump drive system 43, the wobble pump base module 40comprises a wobble device (already mentioned) by means of which themembrane 4 can be compressed. At the same time, the geometry of wobbledevice 41 is adapted to the pump channel 5. In this case, the wobbledevice 41 comprises a line-shaped bar that is curved at least insections and that can be oscillated to deform in wobbling manner themembrane 4, wherein the bar 46, as well as the pump channels 5 of thepump module 1 in the embodiments described are designed in a way thatdiffers from a genuine circular design.

Alternatively, the bar 46 can also have a circular design, wherein inthis case the wobble device 41 is preferably mounted in axially movablefashion or the wobble device 41 has a resilient design (see FIG. 3).

The bar 46 is mounted to a disc-shaped base 62 of the wobble device 41which in this way is designed as a wobble plate. Alternatively, thewobble device 41 can also be designed without a bar, having a planarpressure surface, in case the pump module 1 comprises a membrane 4having a bulge.

According to a first embodiment of an wobble device 41, the bar 46comprises a circular section 47, a first straight section 48 and asecond straight section 49, wherein the circular section 47 is arrangedbetween the first straight section 48 and the second straight section 49(see FIG. 3). The course of the bar 46 corresponds to the course of thepump channel 5 of the first embodiment of the pump module 1 which isshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5. The bar 46 does not have a completelycircular design but is recessed in a section between the first straightsection 48 and the second straight section 49. The recess has thepurpose of bridging the bar 26 of the pump module 1 that separates thepump channel inlet 6 from the pump channel outlet 7.

In the first straight section 48 and the second straight section 49, thebar ends in the form of a rounded tongue, respectively. This tongueshape allows a resilient yield of the end sections of the first straightsection 48 and the second straight section 49. In this way, it ispossible to reduce by means of the wobble device 41 the impact of themembrane 4 in the area of the pump channel inlet 6 and pump channeloutlet 7.

Basically, the bar 46 can be designed as having a consistent height,which here means that the edge of the bar 46 opposite of the pump module1 is located in a plane. According to the first embodiment of the wobbledevice 41, the bar 46 is designed with a variable height, i.e., the edgeof the bar 46 is not located in a mutual plane. In the area of the firststraight section 48 and the second straight section 49, the height ofthe bar 46 is reduced in a curved manner (a dotted line 58 in FIG. 3shows the course of the bar with a constant height). As a result, it ispossible that during oscillation the wobble device 41 securelycompresses simultaneously the pump channel inlet 6 and the pump channeloutlet 7 of a pump channel 5 of a pump module 1 (see first embodiment),thus preventing backflow problems. Preferably, the wobble device 41 ismounted in axial fashion, for example flexibly, to guarantee thatthrough an axial movement in the direction of the pump module 1 the pumpchannel inlet 6 and pump channel outlet 7 are securely sealed.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show tow models of a third already mentioned embodimentof an wobble device 41. In this embodiment, the bar 46 of the wobbledevice 41 comprises a spiral-shaped section 59 to which on both sides arespective straight first and second section 60, 61 is connected,wherein the straight sections 60, 61 are arranged parallel to oneanother, resulting in an overlapping of the bar 46. The course of thebar 46 corresponds to the course of the pump channel 5 of the fifthembodiment of the pump module 1 (see FIGS. 14, 15). In a first sectionof the spiral-shaped section, the bar 46 is higher than in a secondsection of the spiral-shaped section which is located further away fromthe center of the coil (see FIG. 19). In this embodiment, the height ofthe bar is increased when the radius of the coil decreases. The straightsection 60, 61 is attached to the spiral-shaped section. Because of thefact that the bar 46 is higher in an area that is closer to the center,it can be guaranteed that the pump channel is always securelycompressed.

FIG. 20 shows a model of the second embodiment of the wobble device 41shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to design the pump channel5 of the pump module 1 with varying slope, or to vary the size of themembrane 4 or the height of its bulge depending on the oscillationcenter.

Preferably, the bar 46 of the wobble device 41 is a rigid body. Inparticular, materials to be used can include plastic materials or evenmetals. Preferably, the bar 46 is an injection-molded part. Inparticular, the bar 46 can be produced in one piece, with the base 62being designed as a wobble plate. Furthermore, the bar can consist of arigid material, but it can also consist of a semi-rigid material.Because of the intrinsic flexibility of the bar 46, it can be easieradapted to the membrane or groove profile, which can be of advantage incase of radial and/or axial tolerance compensations.

In a flat embodiment of the wobble device 41 shown in FIG. 9, which isdesigned as a wobble plate, preferably, the base 62 comprises asemi-rigid body.). Because of its intrinsic flexibility, it is possibleto realize an axially resilient flexibility of the wobble plate. As aresult, the contact pressure can be defined to achieve a secure,periodically rotating compression of the pump channel 5, and toguarantee especially the simultaneous closure of inlet and outlet. Inaddition, it is possible in this way to compensate axial tolerancesbetween the pump base module and the pump module.

FIGS. 30 to 37 show different wobble pump systems which comprise awobble pump base module 40 and a pump module 1.

A wobble pump base module 40 comprises a wobble pump drive system 43 anda wobble pump device 41 (for example, see FIG. 33). By means of thewobble pump drive system 43, it is possible to activate the wobble pumpdevice 41 to perform oscillation. Furthermore, the wobble pump basemodule 40 comprises a housing in which the wobble pump drive system 43and the wobble pump device 41 are arranged. The housing comprises a top63 and a bottom 64.

To receive the pump module 1, the wobble pump base module 40 comprises areceptacle 42 (see also FIGS. 30 and 31). The receptacle 42 is designedin such a way that the invention-based pump module 1 can be manuallyapplied or inserted in the receptacle 42, and the pump module 1 can bemanually removed from the receptacle 42. In this context, to insert orapply manual means that it is not required to use any tools forinserting or removing the pump module 1.

In this embodiment, the receptacle 42 is designed in the form of adepression or vat. The receptacle 42 corresponds to the outside shape ofthe pump module 1, so that the pump module 1 can be received by thereceptacle 42 in form-fit manner. This is advantageous for correctlypositioning the pump module 1 in relation to the wobble device 41. Inthis case, the receptacle 42 has a rectangular shape corresponding tothe rectangular shape of the pump module 1. It is certainly alsopossible to use different designs for the pump module 1 and thereceptacle.

At its bottom part, the receptacle 42 has a recess. The wobble device 41is arranged in the area of the recess, so that the wobble device 41 canbe actively connected with a pump module 1 inserted in the receptacle42. Preferably, the gap between receptacle 42 and wobble device 41 issealed in fluid-tight manner, for example, by means of a flexiblemembrane 65, to prevent that fluid, which has entered the receptacle 42,for example, through improper handling or a defective pump module 1,flows unwontedly into the inside of the housing of the pump base module40.

Furthermore, in addition to the receptacle, the bottom of the housing 64comprises two groove-shaped ducts 65 coming out of the receptacle 42.Sections of the tube coming out of both sides the pump module 1 can beinserted into the groove-shaped ducts 65.

By designing the pump module 1 at least partially in an asymmetricmanner and corresponding with the receptacle 42, it can be guaranteedthat the pump module 1 can be inserted in the receptacle in only onedirection. In this way, it is possible to reduce the risk of anincorrect use. In this case, the tube nozzles 15, 16 of the pump module1 are not arranged in the center but offset from the center of the pumpmodule 1.

The receptacle 42 can be designed as part of the housing. In theembodiment, the receptacle 42 is formed by the bottom of the housing 64.

Furthermore, the wobble pump base module 40 comprises a securing deviceby means of which the pump module 1 can be secured in its position inthe receptacle 42. The securing device can be operated manually, i.e.,without the use of tools, which means that it can be operated in asimple and uncomplicated manner.

In this embodiment, the securing device comprises a cover 44. The cover44 is hinged to the housing, here to the bottom of the housing 64. Thereceptacle 42 can be closed by means of the cover 44. When the cover 44is closed, the cover 44 secures in form-fit manner the pump module 1 inits position in the receptacle 42 (for example, see FIGS. 22 and 23).When the cover 44 is opened, the pump module 1 can be manually removedfrom the receptacle 42.

It is possible to use known devices for securing the cover 44 in itsclosed position. For example, it is possible to use snap-on, latch orany other locking mechanisms. The cover can be also secured by means ofan automatically controlled locking system (possible in addition), toprevent that the cover 44 is opened while the pump is operated.

Furthermore, the wobble pump base module 40 comprises a valve actuator.The valve actuator is designed in such a way that it deforms the firstflexible wall section of the valve unit 12 of the pump module 1 when thepump module 1 is applied or inserted, thus bringing the valve body 14 inoperation position.

In this embodiment, the valve actuator is designed by a rigid,protruding bolt 51 (see FIG. 32). The bolt 51 is inflexibly arranged atthe bottom of the receptacle 42. The bolt 51 is designed to engage inthe depression 21 of the pump module 1 (see also FIG. 24). When the pumpmodule 1 is inserted, the bolt engages in the depression 21, deforms thefirst flexible wall section 13, thus bringing the valve body 14 inoperation position. Depending on the design of the first flexible wallsection 13 and depression 21, the valve actuator can have a differentform, for example, it can be designed as a bar or, when the membrane 13,instead of being designed with a depression or flat with an elevation,comprises a depression or recess into which the elevation of themembrane 13 engages when the pump module 1 is inserted.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide as a valve actuator amovable projection, instead of a rigid projection, such as a rigid boltor bar (not shown). In this way, it is possible to activate the valvebody 14 for opening at a desired time, for example, only when the pumpis to be activated for operation. When the pump operation is concluded,the projection can be retracted and the valve body 14 can return to itsidle position. For example, the projection that can be pulled out orretracted can be also designed as a bolt or bar.

Supplementary, the valve actuator 51 can be used as a positioning aidfor the pump module 1 and as an aid to guarantee that the pump module 1is correctly inserted in the receptacle.

The wobble pump base module 40 comprises a recess 52 into which thesecond flexible wall section 20 of the valve unit 12 of the pump module1 can escape when the valve body 14 transfers to operation position. Inthis embodiment, the recess 52 is arranged in the cover 44 (see FIGS. 30to 32). In this way, it is possible to design the pump module 1 as aflat and small component.

Furthermore, the wobble pump base module 40 comprises a pressure sensor66 (see FIG. 32). The pressure sensor 66 is designed in such a way thatit determines a value by means of the deformation of the flexible wallsection 11 of the pressure measuring chamber 10, which value reflectsthe pressure inside the pressure measuring chamber 10. Such pressuresensors 66 are well-known to experts. In this embodiment, the pressuresensor 66 is arranged in the housing of the wobble pump base module 40.

Alternatively or additionally, the pressure sensor 66 or a furtherpressure sensor can be in contact with the membrane 4 of the pump module1, to measure the pressure in the pump channel 5, as described above.

In addition, the wobble pump base module 40 comprises a pretensioningdevice 56 (for example, see FIG. 33). The pretensioning device 56 isdesigned in such a way that the wobble device 41 is flexiblypretensioned against a pump module 1 received in the receptacle 42.

Because of the fact that the wobble device 41 is resilientlypretensioned against the pump module 1, it is possible to achieve adefined position between the wobble device 41 and the pump module 1,and/or the pump module 1 exerts sufficient contact pressure on themembrane 4 of the pump module 1. In this way, it can also be guaranteedthat the properties of the pump do not change, or change only minimallywhen the pump module is exchanged. It is possible also to compensateaxial tolerances.

In this embodiment, the wobble device 41 is pretensioned in axialdirection by the pretensioning device 56. Accordingly, the wobble device41 is movably mounted in axial direction (shown in FIG. 33 by the axis).The pretensioning device 56 presses the wobble device 41 up to a limitstop 83 into a starting position in which the wobble device 41 extendsinto the receptacle when the pump module 1 is not inserted in thereceptacle 42. The axis 67 has a vertical position in relation to thebottom part of the receptacle 42. As a result, the bar 56 of the wobbledevice 41 extends into the receptacle 42. When the pump module 1 isinserted, the bar 56 comes in contact with the membrane 4 of the pumpmodule 1 and seals the membrane 4 at a compression point. When the pumpmodule 1 is completely inserted, the wobble device 41 is pressed againstpretension through the pump module 1 in the direction of the housing.

In this embodiment, the pretensioning device 56 comprises severalsprings 69 which pretension the wobble pump drive system 43 togetherwith the wobble device 41. To guarantee that the wobble device 41 doesnot tilt toward the receptacle 42 or tilts only slightly, the wobblepump drive system 43 with which the wobble device 41 is connected ismounted on several guide pins 70. The pretensioning device 56 is rigidlyconnected with the housing of the wobble pump base module 40, here thebottom of the housing 64. According to a further embodiment (not shown),the pretensioning device is integrated in the cover 44 of the pump basemodule 40. The pretensioning device is designed in such a way that isexerts pressure on the pump module 1 when the pump module 1 is insertedin the receptacle 42 and the cover 44 is closed. As a result, the pumpmodule 1 is pressed against the wobble device. Consequently, the pumpmodule 1 is pretensioned when the cover 44 is closed.

Moreover, an axial pretension of the wobble device 41 along the axis 67makes it possible that during the pump operation the wobble device 41can perform an overlapping movement in axial direction in addition tooscillation. The same applies when the pump module 1 is pretensionedaxially against the wobble device 41. For specific models of the pumpmodule 1 and wobble device 41, this allows for a secure, periodicallycirculating compression of the pump channel 5 and especially for asecure simultaneous closure of pump channel inlet 6 and pump channeloutlet 7. Furthermore, the wobble device 41 comprises a positioning aid57. The positioning aid 57 is designed in such a way that it centers thewobble device 41 on the extension of the motor shaft. A correspondingreceptacle or recess of the pump module 1 allows for an axial movementof the wobble device 41. In this embodiment, the wobble device 41comprises a central, dome-shaped projection. The pump module 1 comprisesa corresponding sigmoidal depression 22 into which the positioning aidengages when the pump module is inserted in the receptacle 42.Preferably, there is no direct contact between positioning aid 57 andpump module 1 to guarantee the flexibility of the wobble device and toavoid friction loss.

By means of the wobble pump drive system 43, the wobble device 41 is setin oscillation. FIGS. 33 to 36 show wobble pump base modules 40 withdifferent embodiments of a wobble pump drive system 43.

The wobble pump drive system 43 comprises a motor 69, by means of whicha drive shaft 70 can be set in rotation. The drive shaft 70 is turnedabout the axis 67. The rotation process is transformed into oscillationof the wobble device 41 by means of a transmission mechanism.

Preferably, the motor comprises an electric motor, for example adirect-current motor, a step motor or a piezomotor. Preferably, one orseveral batteries are used for energy supply for the motor (not shown),which are situated in the wobble pump base module 40. Alternatively oradditionally, it is possible to use an external energy supply.

In a first embodiment (shown in FIG. 33), the wobble pump drive system43 comprises a transmission element 71. By means of ball bearing 73, thetransmission element 71 is swivel-mounted in a carrier in which also themotor 69 is situated. The transmission element 71 is rigidly connectedwith the drive shaft 70, so that it follows the rotary motion of thedrive shaft 70.

The transmission element 71 comprises a lateral pin 74. In its axis, thepin 74 is inclined toward the axis 67. The inclination angle of the pin74 corresponds to a 90-degree angle minus a tumbling angle 68. Thetumbling angle 68 determines the inclination of the wobble device 41toward the axis 67.

A ball bearing 75 is arranged on the pin 74. The outer edge of the ballbearing 75 rests on the edge of the rear side of the wobble device 41.

The wobble device 41 is kept in position by a center pin 77 which isswivel-mounted by means of ball bearings 76 inside the transmissionelement 71. At the same time, the center pin 77 engages loosely in acentral recess 78 of the wobble device 41. The rotational axis of thecenter pin 77 corresponds to the axis 67. The ball bearing center pin 77is not turning, which minimizes friction loss in the recess 78. Becauseof its shape, the recess 78 of the wobble device 41 makes it possiblethat the wobble device 41 sufficiently tilts toward the center pin 77.Alternatively, it is possible to rigidly connect the wobble device 41with the center pin 77, wherein the wobble device 41 assumes thepredetermined inclination toward the center pin 77.

The rotation of the drive shaft 70 results in rotation of the pin 77about the rotational axis 67. The ball bearing 75 arranged on the pin 77unrolls on the outer edge of the wobble device and sets in rotation thewobble device 41 as a result of the inclination of the pin 77.

The axis of symmetry of the wobble device 41 is inclined toward therotational axis 67 by the tumbling angle 68. In this embodiment, it isadvantageous that it is very easy to center the wobble device, which ishere designed as a wobble plate.

In a variation of the embodiment (shown in FIG. 34), the wobble device41 is swivel-mounted in the transmission element 71 by means of two ballbearings 78 which are centrically positioned about the axis of symmetryof the wobble device 41. The two ball bearings 78 uncouple the rotarymotion of the transmission element 71 from the wobble device 41. In thisembodiment, the alignment of the wobble device 41 is predetermined. In adifferent model of the embodiment (shown in FIG. 35), the transmissionelement comprises a pin 79 in addition to the first pin 74. The pin 79is arranged collinear to the first pin 74 on the opposite side of theaxis 67. A second ball bearing 75 is arranged on the second pin 79. Theouter edge of the ball bearing 75 also rests on the edge of the wobbledevice 41. Through a rotation of the drive shaft 70, the two ballbearings 75 arranged on the pins 74, 79 unroll on opposite places of theouter edge of the wobble device 41, which sets the wobble device 41 inoscillation. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, in this way,it is possible to stabilize oscillation.

In a further model of the embodiment (shown in FIG. 36), the inclinedpin 74 of the transmission element 71 and the ball bearing is replacedby a magnet 80. The wobble device 41 comprises a ring-shaped magnet 81which is arranged on the rear side of the wobble device facing themagnet 80. The magnet 80 of the transmission element 71 is restricted toa section of the angle. By turning the transmission element 71, themagnet 80 moves over the ring-shaped magnet 81 of the wobble device 41.The magnets 80, 81 are arranged with poles opposite to one another, sothat the magnets 80, 81 touch each other. Because of the repellingeffect of the magnets 80, 81, the wobble device 41 is set in oscillationby means of the rotation of the magnet 80 of the transmission element71. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that friction loss isminimized. The wobble device is centered by means of the center pin 77.

In a further model (shown in FIG. 37), the wobble device 41 is designedin the form of a flat, semi-rigid and flexibly deformable wobble plate.

Because of the fact that the wobble device 41 is resilient, it ispossible to guarantee that sufficient contact pressure is exerted on themembrane 4 of an inserted pump module 1 during the entire pump cycle.

In this case, the wobble device 41 is resiliently pretensioned by apretensioning device 56. However, alternatively, it is possible torelinquish such a pretensioning device 56.

Furthermore, the wobble pump base module 40 comprises a flexible supportplate 82. The support plate 82 is arranged in the receptacle 42, here atthe bottom part of the receptacle 42. Tolerances existing between thepump module 1 inserted in the receptacle 42 and the cover 44 can becompensated through the flexibility of the support plate 82, wherein thecover 44 can have a rigid design. As a result, the pump module 1 isfirmly pressed against the cover by the pretensioning device 56 and ispositively positioned. The axial amplitude of the wobble device 41,produced by the pretensioning device 56, is greater than the maximumpermissible axial flexibility of the pump module 1. As a result, it canbe guaranteed that the membrane 4 is securely compressed.

Basically, it is possible to vary the number of ball bearings 73, 75,76, 78 used in the embodiments. By using several ball bearings, it ispossible to define or stabilize the movement more exactly. Reducing thenumber of ball bearing is advantageous from the aspect of having acompact and weight-saving structure.

FIGS. 38.a to 38.c show a preferred embodiment of the pump module 1 innon-assembled and assembled state.

FIG. 38.a shows the base 2 with a ring-shaped recess or groove 23 whichform together with the membrane 4 the pump channel 5. It also shows thefirst connector 15, the pump channel inlet 6, the pump channel outlet 7and the second connector 16. A further recess 24 or 25 is arrangedbetween the first connector 15 and the second connector 16, which recessis provided for receiving the flexible wall section. Dotted linesindicate the transitions from the pump channel inlet 6 and the pumpchannel outlet 7 to the first and second connector 15 or 16.

Furthermore, FIG. 38.a shows the cover 3 with the membrane 4 which formtogether with the recess 23 in the base 2 the ring-shaped pump channel5. A bulge (not visible) is arranged on the surface of the membrane 4.Basically, the membrane or at least the surface of the membrane has aconvex design, in particular, at least in sections. This design ensuresthat the wobble device 41 compresses the membrane 4 as even as possible.In addition, the cover 3 supports the flexible wall section 11 or 13,for example a membrane which forms or can form together with the furtherrecess 24 or 25 a valve unit 12 or a pressure measuring chamber 10.

FIG. 38.b shows the disposable pump module 1 in assembled state. FIG.38.c indicates the interaction with the wobble device 41 or the wobbleplate 41. For the process of pumping, the bar of the wobble plate 41engages in the ring-shaped pump channel 5 or presses from the topagainst the membrane 4 (not shown). In the area between the pump channelinlet 6 and the pump channel outlet 7, the bar 46 comprises aninterruption to bridge the bar 26.

In one embodiment, the pump module 1 can be produced with lateralmeasurement smaller than 4 cm by 4 cm. The pump volume per rotation canrange between 10 to 50, preferably 20 to 30 microliters. Currently, apump volume of up to approximately 200 ml/h and/or a total pumpablevolume of up to 25 L can be achieved by means of an invention-basedwobble pump. In the previously examined pressure areas, the pump module1 and/or the wobble pump base module 40, which receives the pump module1, are quite sensitive toward pressure fluctuations at the pump channelinlet 6 and/or the pump channel outlet 7. For example, currently, with avariable backpressure at the pump channel outlet 7 of higher than 0 barup to 1000 mbar, it is possible to achieve flow rates that have adeviation of lower than approximately 3%. With a variable pressure atthe pump channel inlet 6 in a range of −100 mbar up to +100 mbar, it ispossible to achieve flow rates that have a deviation of lower thanapproximately 5%. Because of the fact that the pump module 1 can beproduced at low cost, it can preferably be provided as a disposableitem.

As previously described and shown in exemplary manner in FIG. 3, it ispossible to design the bar 46 of the wobble device 41 with a consistentheight. The previous description also shows that the wobble device 41can be designed with a bar 46 that has a varying height, preferably anincreasing height. In this case, the edge of the bar 46 is not locatedin a mutual plane.

In a further embodiment of a wobble device 41 having a bar 46 withvarying height, the bar 46 provides a type of ramp 46 a. This isillustrated in FIGS. 39.a and 39.b. For this purpose, FIG. 39.b shows anenlarged representation of the bridging area of the wobble plate 41shown in FIG. 39.a. For better visibility, the ramp 46 a in both figuresis not shown according to scale. The edge of the bar 46 associated withthe pump module 1 is not located in a plane. Preferably, the height ofthe bar increases continuously. A ramp 46 a is formed. At the same time,it is possible that the increase changes throughout the circumference ofthe wobble plate 41. For example, it can increase or decrease, or remainconstant. The deep-set or long section 46 c of the bar 46 (in relationto the base 62 of the wobble device 41) is associated with the pumpchannel outlet 7 of the pump module 1. The high-set or short section 46b of the bar 46 (in relation to the base 62 of the wobble device 41) isassociated with the pump channel inlet 6 of the pump module 1 (see alsoFIG. 38.c). During oscillation, the wobble plate 41 is tilted downwardwhen the interruption in the bar 46 runs along the bar 26 in the base.As a result, it is possible that during oscillation the wobble device 41simultaneously securely closes or compresses the pump channel inlet 6and pump channel outlet 7 of the pump module 1. As a result, it isespecially possible to prevent or at least reduce backflow problems.

Because of the design of the ramp 46 a, it is prevented that the pumpchannel outlet 7 is opened when the wobble plate 41 continues tooscillate, while the pump channel inlet 6 is still closed or no pressurehas been built in the pump channel 5. The ramp 46 a has the effect thatthe wobble plate is not abruptly lifted up when the wobble plate 41continues to oscillate and the pump channel outlet 7 is not abruptlyopened, which would result from low pressure in the pump channel 5, andthus a so-called “backflow” into the pump channel 5 by means of the pumpchannel outlet 7 would occur. The “backflow” represents an undesiredinflow of fluid at the pump channel outlet 7.

The difference in height ΔH between the two sections 46 b and 46 c ofthe ramp 46 a is indicated with a double arrow in FIG. 39.b. Preferably,the difference in height ΔH ranges from approximately 1/100 mm toapproximately 1 mm, preferably from approximately 1/10 mm toapproximately 3/10 mm. Consequently, the increase of the ramp 46 aranges from approximately 1/100 mm to approximately 1 mm, preferablyfrom approximately 1/10 mm to approximately 3/10 mm, distributed acrossthe circumference of the wobble plate 41, in particular across anangular range of approximately 300° to approximately 360°. The ramp 46 acan be provided by a material removal on the bar 46 or the edge of thebar (shown in FIGS. 39.a and 39) and/or by a material deposit on the bar46 or the edge of the bar. As an alternative or addition, the ramp 46 acan also be provided by a material removal on the and/or by a materialdeposit on the membrane 4. As a further alternative or addition it isalso possible to design the pump channel 5 of the pump module 1 with aramp.

By means of the ramp 46 a it is possible to prevent or at least reducethe backflow. In this regard, FIGS. 40.a and 40.b show calculationsinvolving the pump performance with and without ramp 46 a. In each case,the respective pump volume is shown as a function of time for a pumpcycle. The two curves shown describe the pump performance at the pumpchannel inlet 6 (“inflow curve”) and the pump channel outlet 7 (“outflowcurve”). The positive values describe the volume pumped into the pumpchannel 5 (“inflow curve”), or the volume pumped out of the pump channel5 (“outflow curve”). The negative values describe the volume pumped outof the pump channel 5 (“inflow curve”) or the volume pumped into thepump channel 5 (“outflow curve”). In this case, especially the so-called“backflow out” is undesired, an undesired inflow or outflow of the fluidat the pump channel outlet 7. FIG. 40.a shows the pump performancewithout ramp 46 a with a resulting “backflow out” of 1.7 microliters.FIG. 40.b shows the pump performance with ramp 46 a with a resultinglower or basically repressed backflow.

Instead of a wobble device 41 having a bar and recess (shown in FIGS. 33to 40), it is alternatively possible to use a wobble device 41 having aplanar contact surface (shown in FIG. 9). Correspondingly, the pumpmodule 1 is designed with a toric membrane 4.

The wobble pump base module 40 and the pump module 1 together form awobble pump system for pumping a fluid. The pump module 1 and the wobblepump base module 40 are made compatible, especially the wobble device 41of the wobble pump base module 40 with the pump channel 5 of the pumpmodule 1 and the form of the pump module 1 with the form of thereceptacle 42 of the wobble pump base module 40. Such a wobble pumpsystem represents a pump with defined pump properties in which thecomponents of the pump contaminated by a transported fluid can bequickly replaced in a simply manner by changing the pump module. Thepump module 1 can be produced with compact structure in an inexpensivemanner as a disposable item (“disposable”). Particularly for specialapplications, the pump module 1 can be integrated in a tube set ortransfer system.

In addition, the pump module 1 can comprise a one-way valve whichprevents an undesired backflow of the fluid to be transported. Theone-way valve can be arranged in pump direction behind the pump channeloutlet 7 or before the pump channel inlet 6. In particular, it ispossible to provide at least two one-way valves which are arrangedbehind the pump channel outlet 7, as well as before the pump channelinlet 6. Preferably, a one-way valve is located between the firstconnector 15 and the pump channel inlet 6 and/or between the secondconnector 16 and the pump channel outlet 7. For example, the at leastone one-way valve can be designed as a flexible membrane flap. Suchmembrane flaps are well-known to experts. Preferably, the one-way valveis formed by the base 2 and/or the cover 3 and a flexible membrane.

The invention-based pump module 1 can be produced in an inexpensive androbust manner. By designing the pump channel 23 at least from membrane 4and base 2, it is possible to produce a pump channel 23 with defined andreproducible measurements. By means of a periodically circulatingmembrane deformation it is possible to achieve high accuracy in theproduction rate. Using the invention-based pump module 1 with a wobbledevice has the advantage that the mechanical stress of the membrane 4because there is no rolling or sliding contact with the bodies deformingthe membrane 4. is minimized Because of the fact that the pump module 1can be produced in an inexpensive and reproducible manner, theinvention-based pump module 1 qualifies as a disposable item(“disposable”) intended merely for single use.

The embodiments of a pump module 1, a wobble pump base module 40 and anwobble pump system described above can especially be used in the medicalfield. These devices are especially preferred for use as enteral pumps,for example, for pumping nutrition solutions or for use as infusionpumps for intravenously infusing medications. It is also possible to usethem for other applications.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A wobble pump base module comprising awobble pump drive system, a wobble device, a housing having a receptaclefor receiving a pump module, and a pre-tensioning device, wherein thepre-tensioning device flexibly pre-tensions the pump module housed inthe receptacle against the wobble device, the receptacle configured suchthat the pump module, without using additional tools, is manuallyinserted in the receptacle and is manually removed from the receptacle,and a cover configured to close the receptacle and a pump modulereceived in the receptacle, wherein the pre-tensioning device is atleast partially integrated in the cover so that the pump module ispre-tensioned when the cover is closed.
 2. The wobble pump base moduleof claim 1, wherein the pre-tensioning device is configured topre-tension the wobble device against a reception of the pump module. 3.The wobble pump base module of claim 2, wherein the wobble device ismounted to be axially movable along a rotational axis.
 4. The wobblepump base module of claim 2, further comprising a cover configured toclose the receptacle and a pump module received in the receptacle,wherein the pre-tensioning device is at least partially integrated inthe cover so that the pump module is pre-tensioned when the cover isclosed.
 5. The wobble pump base module of claim 1, wherein the wobbledevice is mounted to be axially movable along a rotational axis.
 6. Thewobble pump base module of claim 5, further comprising a coverconfigured to close the receptacle and a pump module received in thereceptacle, wherein the pre-tensioning device is at least partiallyintegrated in the cover so that the pump module is pre-tensioned whenthe cover is closed.
 7. The wobble pump base module of claim 1, whereinthe receptacle is in the form of a depression formed with in a firstsurface of the housing.
 8. The wobble pump base module of claim 7,wherein the receptacle is sized and shaped to conform to an outer shapeof the pump module.
 9. A wobble pump system comprising a pump module,and a wobble pump base module, the wobble pump base module including awobble pump drive system, a wobble device, a housing having a receptaclefor receiving the pump module, and a pre-tensioning device, wherein thepre-tensioning device flexibly pre-tensions the pump module housed inthe receptacle against the wobble device; wherein the pump moduleincludes a base and a flexibly deformable membrane, wherein the base andthe flexibly deformable membrane form a line-shaped pump channel that iscurved at least in sections in such a way that, through a wobblingdeformation of the flexibly deformable membrane, a fluid is pumpedthrough the line-shaped pump channel, wherein the pump module isreceived in the receptacle of the wobble pump base module in such a waythat the pump module and the wobble device are resiliently pressedagainst each other through the re-tensioning device, the receptacleconfigured such that the pump module, without using additional tools, ismanually inserted in the receptacle and is manually removed from thereceptacle, and a cover configured to close the receptacle and the pumpmodule received in the receptacle, wherein the pre-tensioning device isat least partially integrated in the cover so that the pump module ispre-tensioned when the cover is closed.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the wobble device is mounted to be axially movable along arotational axis.
 11. The wobble pump system of claim 9, wherein thereceptacle is in the form of a depression formed with in a first surfaceof the housing.
 12. The wobble pump system of claim 11, wherein thereceptacle is sized and shaped to conform to an outer shape of the pumpmodule.
 13. The wobble pump base module of claim 9, wherein thepre-tensioning device is configured to pre-tension the wobble deviceagainst a reception of the pump module.
 14. The wobble pump base moduleof claim 9, wherein the wobble device is mounted to be axially movablealong a rotational axis.
 15. A wobble pump base module comprising awobble pump drive system, a wobble device, a housing having a receptaclefor receiving a pump module, and a pre-tensioning device, wherein thepre-tensioning device flexibly pre-tensions the pump module housed inthe receptacle against the wobble device, the receptacle configured suchthat the pump module, without using additional tools, is manuallyinserted in the receptacle and is manually removed from the receptacle,wherein the receptacle is in the form of a depression formed with in afirst surface of the housing and a cover configured to contact the firstsurface of the housing and the pump module.
 16. The wobble pump basemodule of claim 15, wherein the pre-tensioning device is configured topre-tension the wobble device against a reception of the pump module.17. The system of claim 15, wherein the wobble device is mounted to beaxially movable along a rotational axis.
 18. A wobble pump systemcomprising a pump module, and a wobble pump base module, the wobble pumpbase module including a wobble pump drive system, a wobble device, ahousing having a receptacle for receiving the pump module, and apre-tensioning device, wherein the pre-tensioning device flexiblypre-tensions the pump module housed in the receptacle against the wobbledevice; wherein the pump module includes a base and a flexiblydeformable membrane, wherein the base and the flexibly deformablemembrane form a line-shaped pump channel that is curved at least insections in such a way that, through a wobbling deformation of theflexibly deformable membrane, a fluid is pumped through the line-shapedpump channel, wherein the pump module is received in the receptacle ofthe wobble pump base module in such a way that the pump module and thewobble device are resiliently pressed against each other through there-tensioning device the receptacle configured such that the pumpmodule, without using additional tools, is manually inserted in thereceptacle and is manually removed from the receptacle, wherein thereceptacle is in the form of a depression formed with in a first surfaceof the housing, and a cover configured to contact the first surface ofthe housing and the pump module.